Tap



Patented .lune 24, 194i TAP Frank E. Rice, Detroit, Mich.

Application May 31, 1940, Serial No. 338,152

5 Claims.

The present invention relates to a tap construction and moreparticularly to a tap construction for carbonated beverages whichprovides a one-piece hollow body extending substantially the length ofthe tap thereby eliminating body joints and seals.

More specically, the invention relates to a tap construction wherein asingle one-piece hollow body member receives in rotatable relationtherearound a one-piece .adjustor or clamping ring.

In the usual tap construction, the body is formed of two parts held inconnected relation by a rotatable coupling ring, which ring also servesto draw a tap bush into tight engagement with a connecting sleeve. Thesetap constructions are objectionable inasmuch as the joints between thebody parts must be scaled to prevent gas leakage of the carbonatedbeverage flowing therethrough. Not only is the cost of production higherin manufacturing taps of this construction but special .tools areusually required to replace the parts. In addition, the body jointprovides a trap or pocket in which foreign matter or bacteria canaccumulate.

The prior known adjustors for taps could only be made in one piece whenthe body member was made in two or more pieces. If .a one-piece bodymember was used, a multi-piece adjustor had to be used.

The present invention now provides a tap with a one-piece body and aone-piece adjustor.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a noveltap construction which is fluidproof.

Another object of this invention is the pro-` Vision of a tapconstruction having a one-piece hollow body extending substantially theentire length of the tap.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a tapconstruction in which all body joints are eliminated.

Another and further object of this invention is to provide a tapincluding a one-piece hollow body carrying a one-piece coupling ring.

Another and still further object of the present invention is theprovision of a tap construction having a one-piece hollow body and aseparable sleeve with novel self-adjusting washer means therebetween.

The novel features believed to be characteristie of the presentinvention are set forth with particularity in the .appended claims. Theinvention itself, however, both as to its `organization and manner ofconstruction together with further objects and advantages thereof, maybest be understood by reference `to the following description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawing, in` which:

Figure 1 is an elevational view illustrating a tap device constructed inaccordance with the principles of this. invention and loosely connectedto a tap bush and barrel;

Figure 2 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view, with parts inelevation, of the tap construction illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1 illustrating separable parts ofthe tap disassembled from the body;

Figure 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view with a part in elevation,taken substantially along the plane indicated by the line IV-IV ofFigure 2 and looking upwardly in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view, with a part in elevation,taken substantially along the plane indicated by the line V-V of Figure2 and looking upwardly in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 6 is a View similar to Figure 5 illustrating a modiiied form ofwasher;

Figure 7 is a broken longitudinal side view illustrating the coil springin its normal position before being shaped circular as shown in Figures2 and 4;

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 4 illustrating a ilat resilientwasher substituted for the coil spring; and,

Figure 9 is a transverse cross-sectional view, with a part in elevation,of the resilient washer illustrated in Figure 8 .as seen when takensubstantially along the plane indicated by the line IX-IX of Figure 8.

The tap lil illustrated in Figure 1 is constructed for application .to astandard bung or bushing b which is seated in the head of a barrel B andgenerally comprises an elongated onepiece body ll of cylindrical hollowshape, a onepiece coupling sleeve l2, and a one-piece coupling ring oradjustor I3.

As best shown in Figure 2, `the body ll is hollow to receive a draughttube Ill therethrough. The upper end of the body has an integralenlarged portion I5 having an inner inclined face i6 for tightly seatinga resilient washer Il around the inserted draught tube lil when pressureis applied downwardly on the washer. The resilient washer Il is formedpreferably of soft rubber or other similar material to effect aiiuidtight joint between the body and the inserted draught tube.

The enlargement i5 is threaded on its exterior to receive an interiorlythreaded cap nut I8 having handles ISa. A presser bushing I3 isrotatably mounted within the cap nut |13. As the nut is rotated by thehandles Ia in its threaded engagement with the enlarged end of the bodythe bushing moves axially, without rotation, against the resilientwasher to squeeze the latter into holding engagement with the tube Ill.By moving the bushing axially withouit rotation, abrasion of the washeril' is prevented.

The bottom end of the body I i is provided with a flange 23, a squareshoulder 2| and a reduced cylindrical end 22. A sealing washer 23embraces the cylindrical end 22 and abuts .the shoulder 2| of the lowerend of the body, as shown in Figure 2. The sealing washer is arranged toengage the upper surface of the flange of the tap bush b when thetapping device Il) is applied to the bush.

Located substantially centrally of the body is an enlarged portion 23having formed thereon a pair of spaced annular recesses 25 and 23.

In the upper and shallower annular recess 25, there is seated a coilspring 2. As best shown in Figure 7, the coil spring 21 is provided atone end with reduced coils 28, the latter being either integrallyconnected to the larger coiled portion of the spring or being in theform of a separate shorter coiled spring threaded into the end of themain spring. The coils 28 are formed to threadingly engage within thelarger coils at the vopposite end of the spring 2 to form a circularspring, vas illustrated in Figure 4.

A two-piece beveled washer 29 is seated within the lower and deeperannular recess 23. As shown in Figure 5, the beveled Washer 23 isdiametrically split to form half portions 29a and 23h. An outer cornerof the split washer is beveled as at 3D for a purpose to be more fullyexplained hereinafter.

The coupling or connecting sleeve I2 surrounds the lower end of the bodyI I, as shown in Figure 2, and is provided at its inner end withdiametrically opposed lugs 3| shown). These lugs are arranged to engagethe under surfaces of the flange of the tap bush b to draw the uppersurface of the bush flange against the resilient washer 23 for tightlysecuring the body of the tapping device I3 to the bush. When the tap andbush are so connected, the annular flange 32 of the coupling sleeve I2'engages the surface of the head of the barrel B thus stabilizing the tapand its inserted draught tube against tilting movement.

The coupling sleeve I2 extends upwardly and terminates adjacent thelower annular recess 23 in an exteriorly threaded portion 331. Thethreaded end 33 is beveled as at 34 for engagement with the beveled edgeof the removable washer 29.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the body I I is provided with outwardlyextending lugs 35 between the flange 23 and the enlarged central portion24. These lugs have their major axes parallel to the longitudinal axisof the body I I andare arranged to engage in vertically extending slotssuch as 33 provided on the inside of the coupling sleeve I2 (Fig. 2).This engagement prevents relative rotative movement between the couplingsleeve and the tap body when the coupling sleeve surrounds the body asshown in Figures 1 and 2.

The one-piece coupling ring or adjuster I3 is interiorly threaded forengagement with the (only one of which is threaded end 33 of thecoupling sleeve I2. An

on the coupling ring I3 rotatably surrounds the enlarged portion 24 ofthe tap body and is` retained for a limited endwise movement axially ofthe body by means of the coil spring 21 and the beveled washerV 29.Wings or handles 33 are formed as a part of the ring I3 and are inclinedto the axis of the body in a direction divergent from the couplingsleeve I2. It is to be noted that the coupling ring I3 and itsintegrally formed wings 38 may be removed from the body II when thebeveled Washer 29 is removed from its annular recess 26.

An interiorly threaded hollow boss 33 is formed as an integral part ofthe body II and extends divergently therefrom adjacent the upperenlarged portion I5. This boss or passaged neck is arranged tothreadingly receive a hose nipple 4!) to which is connected a fluidpressure hose (not shown).

A valve 3|, of resilient material such as rubber having a passagetherethrough for allowing fluid flow into the tap body only, isconnected at the inner end of the hose nipple 43 (Figure 2).

Figure 3 illustrates the tapping device of Figure l when partiallydisassembled. To disassemble the tapping device Ill, the handles 38 arerotated in a counterclockwise direction. The diametrically arranged ribsor lugs 35 cooperate with the grooves or slots 36 formed in the interiorof the sleeve I2 topermit relative axial movement between the sleeve andthe tap body while preventing relative rotative movement between them.

When the sleeve I2 has been released from threaded engagement with thecoupling ring I3 and removed from the body II as shown, the couplingring is maintained in operative connected relation to the body by andbetween the coil spring 21 and the beveled washer 23. The coil spring 21is removed from the annular recess 25 by the insertion of an instrumentsuch as a knife or screwdriver to stretch and move it upwardly againstthe passaged neck 39. The coupling ring I3 is then moved upwardly toallow the free removal of the beveled washer 29 from the annular recess23.

Both the coupling ring and the coil spring may then be removed from thebody I I over its flanged end 2).

The upper cap nut I8 and the hose nipple 43 are removed by rotation in acounterclookwise direction for disengaging them from threaded relationwith the body II.

In applying the tapping device of the present invention to a barrel, thedraught tube I4 is removed from the tapping device. The coupling ring I3is loosened so that the coupling, sleeve I2 is free to engage over theflange of the tap bush b whereupon the tapping device is rotated untilthe lugs 3| on thel sleeve I2 contact the usual stops present in such atap bush. Thereupon, the wings or handles 38 of the coupling ring arerotated which causes relative axial movement between the body II and thesleeve I2 to tighten the tapping device against the bush in operativerelationship.

The draught tube Il is then inserted with the capv nut I3 in loosethreaded relation with the upper end of the body. The draught tube ismoved downwardly until the lower end thereof engages the bottom of thebarrel B whereupon the nut I8 is tightened to force the washer I7 intogripping engagement with the tube in which position the tapping deviceis ready for use.

In the event that pressure is required within the barrel to dischargeits contents, air or gas presssure is admitted through the hose nippleil and the valve BI. The air or gas is restricted from passing upwardlyaround the draught tube by the gripping engagement therewith of theresilient washer l'l. The draught tube i4 is fitted loosely in the lowerportion of the body to allow iiuid flow thereby into the barrel.

As shown in Figure 6, a U-shaped washer i2 may be substituted for thetwo-piece split Washer 29. As shown, the edges i3 and 44 forming theU-shape are spaced slightly Wider than the bottom of the annular recess26. This allows the washer 42 to be inserted or removed from its annularrecess when the coupling ring is positioned against the apertured neck39. A beveled edge d is provided on the U-shaped washer A2 in the samemanner and for the same purpose as the beveled edge 3i? on the Washer29.

In Figures 8 and 9 there is illustrated a ilat resilient washer d,comprising a flat ring 4l of rubber or other similar material and a pairof semi-circular U-shaped metal washer supports i8 and f4.9. Thesidewalls of the U-shaped supports straddle and embrace the iiatsurfaces of the ring with their connecting webs facing inwardly. Theends of the supports are positioned in spaced relation to allow theresilient portions of the ring therebetween to flex. The sidewalls ofthe U-shaped supports serve to limit the resiliency of the ring il andto provide more durable surfaces for contacting the shoulders of theannular recess 25 than if the ring il only was inserted therein.

A portion of the enlargement 2d on the body il, adjacent the annularrecess 25, is removed as at 59 to provide an opening into which a toolcan be inserted for flexing and expanding the washer is to effect itsremoval from the annular recess 25. The provision of the washer 46 isfor exactly the same purpose as the coil spring 2 and its removal fromthe body l i is accomplished in the same manner as the removal of thecoil spring.

From the foregoing description, it will be observed that this inventioncontemplates the construction of a tap having an elongated one-piecebody which cooperates with a one-piece coupling ring and coupling sleeveto permit ready application and removal of a tap body to or from aflanged bush in a barrel. The one-piece coupling ring is retained infree rotatable relation on the one-piece body by the spaced removablemeans 2l, d6 and 29, d2. These means provide a slot therebetween forreceiving the ange 3l of the coupling ring therein. When the means, suchas 2S or 42, are removed the coupling ring can be removed from the body.

The tapping device presents a further advantage by providing for theretention of the coupling ring on the body in a loose operative positionwhen the coupling sleeve is removed. This enables the tap to be appliedto a iianged bush easily and quickly without exerting pressure againstthe draught tube.

While particular embodiments of this invention have been illustrated, itwill, of course, be understood that the invention should not be limitedthereto since many modifications may be made and, therefore, it iscontemplated by the appended claims to cover all such modications asfall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. A tapping device for use with a barrel having a bush, said devicecomprising a sleeve having means at one end for secured connection withthe bush, an elongated body slidably engaging said sleeve and havingmeans at one end for sealing engagement with the bush, acoupling ringslidable on said body and turnable in engagement with said sleeve toclamp said body to the bush, said ring being arranged slidable alongsaid body for removal therefrom, and means for securing said ring inassembled relation `to said body, said means comprising removable stopmeans on said body and interposed between said ring and the other end ofsaid sleeve and arranged to abut the other end of said sleeve when saiddevice is in clamping relation on the bush.

2. A tapping device for use with a barrel having a bush, said devicecomprising a sleeve having means at one end for secured connection withthe bush, an elongated body slidably engaging said sleeve and havingmeans at one end for engagement with the bush, a coupling ring slidableon said body and turnable in engagement with said sleeve to clamp saidbody to the bush, said ring being slidable along said body for removaltherefrom, means for securing said ring in assembled relation to saidbody, said means comprising a rst removable stop means on said body andinterposed between said ring and the other end of said sleeve to abutthe other end of said sleeve when the device is in clamping relation tothe bush, and a second removable stop means on said body and disposedbetween said ring and the other end of said body.

3. A tapping device for use with a barrel having a bush, said devicecomprising a sleeve having means at one end for secured connection withthe bush, an elongated body slidably engaging said sleeve and havingmeans at one end for engagement with the bush, a coupling ring slidableon said body and turnable in engagement with said sleeve to clamp saidbody to the bush, said ring being slidable along said body for removaltherefrom, means for securing said ring in assembled relation to saidbody, said means comprising a rst removable stop means on said body andinterposed between said ring and the other end of said sleeve, and asecond removable stop means on Said body and disposed between said ringand the other end of said body and comprising a member of resilientmaterial yieldingly engaging said ring.

4. A tapping device for use with a barrel having a bush, said devicecomprising a sleeve having means at one end for secured connection withthe bush, an elongated body slidably engaging said sleeve and havingmeans at one end for engagement with the bush, a coupling ring slidableon said body and turnable in engagement with said sleeve to clamp saidbody to the bush, said ring being slidable along said body for removaltherefrom, means for securing said ring in assembled relation to saidbody, said means comprising a iirst removable stop means on said bodyand interposed between said ring and the other end of said sleeve, meanson said body and disposed between said ring and the other end of saidbody arranged dening a pair of longitudinally spaced shoulders, and asecond removable stop means on said body and entered between saidshoulders, said second stop means comprising a ring of resilientmaterial and a pair of metallic members held in assembled relation bysaid ring and disposed guarding said ring against wear.

5. A tapping device for use with a barrel having a bush, said devicecomprising a sleeve having means at one end for secured connection withl the bush, an elongated body sldably engaging said sleeve and havingmeans at one end for engagement with the bush, a coupling ring slidableon said body and turnable in engagement with said sleeve to clamp saidbody to the bush, said ring being slidable along said body for removaltherefrom, means on said body denng a first groove thereon, means onsaid body defining a second groove thereon longitudinally spaced fromsaid first groove, said ring being provided with means FRANK E. RICE.

